Indian Office Library

F/4/2509 Call No. 142867

British Library

142.867

Coll No. 21

Draff No. 449

of 1853

Fort William

Home Department

Legislature

Para 13 @ 15 Letter from the Govt of India

Dated the 28th June 1852 No 12

Act No VI of 1852

The defraying the cost of the Light House on Pedra Branca

 Extract from a Despatch from the Govt of India to the Honble the Court of

Director in the Home Dept (Legislature) dated the 28 June No. 12 of

1852

Act No VI of 1852
For defraying the cost of a Lighthouse in
Pedra Branca 13. Your Honble Court in Your
Leg Cons: 30th Jany 1852 Pedra Branca
Marine Letter No 6 of 1845

dated the 15th Octr referring to an application which had been

made to this Govt for pecuniary aid in the erection of the

Horsburgh Light House on the Island rock called Pedra Branca

situated at the Eastern Entrance of the Singapore Straits from

the China Sea remarked that you considered it objectionable

that the general resources of India should be charged with any

Expense for such an object – and suggested that a duty should

be levied on ships as Lighthouse dues at 1 Rupee for every 100

tons of shipping, in order to reimburse the Govt for monies that

might be advanced for the construction of the Light House, as

also to meet its current expenses when completed.

14. The Governor of the Straits Settlements from when a report

relative to the rate of duty suggested by your Honble Court was

 called for, calculated that a lower rate than 2 Dollars per 100

tons would not be sufficient for the object. He Estimated the

actual cost of the Building at Rs 50917. To meet this expense

he reported that he had in his hands a sum of Rs 22,194 raised

by public subscription thus leaving Rs 28,723 to be advanced

by Govt. The duty of 2 Dollars per 100 tons be calculated, would

yield annually Rs 6736 XXX of this sum, after deducting

necessary expenses on account of Establ, Rs 3616 could be

applied towards the gradual repayment of the loan to be

obtained from the Govt of India.

15. The correspondence with Coll. Butterworth is as submitted for

the consideration of your Honble Court and your reply (Marine

No. 3 of 1849 dated 5th Septr) sanctioned a tonnage duty of 2 ½

dollars for 100 tons. On receipt of your orders this Govt,

authorized the immediate commencement of the Building and

the necessary draft of an Act for the levy of the tonnage duty

was read in Council for the first time on the 24th Octr 1851.

This rate at the time of passing the Act, was raised, at the

recommendation of Coll Butterworth to 3 cents per ton or 3

Dollars per 100 tons to provide for the expences of Light Ship

placed in the 2 ½ fathom bank in the Straits of Malacca.

 Extract from the Proceedings of the Most Noble the Governor General of

India in Council in the Home Dept / Legl / under date the 30th January

1852

No. 1 No 172

From The Officiating Under Secretary to

the Government of Bengal

To The Under Secretary to the Govt

of India

Home Departt

D/Fort William the 19th March 1850

Marine Sir,

With reference to your letter No. 607 dated the 27th October last, I

am directed by the Deputy Governor of Bengal to transmit herewith, for

the consideration of the Most Noble the Governor General of India in

Council, the accompanying copy of a Despatch from Coll Butterworth,

enclosing a draft act for levying a toll on Ships and square rigged vessels

entering the harbour of Singapore, for the purpose of defraying a portion

of the cost of erecting a Light House on Pedra Branca and the expense
maintaining a Light thereon. A Copy of the reply to Coll Butterworth of

this date is also transmitted.

Fort William I have the honor the be &ca

The 19th March 1850 Sd/ C. V. Bayley

Offg. Under Secy to the Govt

of Bengal
 (Copy) No. 2
Enclosure
No 22 General
No 158 of 1850

From The Governor of Prince of Wales

Island, Singapore and Malacca.

To W. Seton Karr Esqr Under Secretary

to the Government of Bengal Fort William.

D/ Singapore the 13th February 1850

Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter under

date the 12th Novr last No 784 with its enclosure from the Govt. of India,

giving cover to a Despatch from the Honble the Court of Directors,

authorizing the immediate construction of the Light House on Pedra

Branca, to be called after the celebrated Hydrographer, James Horsburgh

Esquire.

2. Immediately on receipt of the above communication, I called upon

the Govt Surveyor Mr Thomson, to ascertain if the original contractor

“Choa Ah Lam” was still willing, giving good security to undertake the

work, agreeably to the plans, specifications, and Estimates, submitted by

Mr. Thomson, approved of by the Superintending Engineer and forwarded

to Govt. under date the 12th June 1848, No 72.

Enclosure 3rd. The accompanying copy of a letter from Mr. Thomson*, will shew
No 1
that all preliminary arrangements have been made with the aforesaid

contractor, to commence on the work in the early part of March next, and

I have accordingly authorized the Extra Establishment sanctioned by the

Honble the Court of Director, to be drawn from the 1st Instt, to ensure the

preparation of Models &ca as also such advances as the contractor may

desire, for bringing Masons from China, who will be located on Pedra

Branca, from which Rock, the Blocks of Granite for the foundation of the

Light House will be prepared, and I have every reason to believe, under

the able supervision of Mr. Thomson, who is thoroughly conversant with

the management of the Chinese workmen, that the Light House will

progress rapidly and successfully.

4th. The great distant from Singapore, of the Rock, on which the Light

House is to be erected, and the exposed position, under the task of

superintendence, one of great bodily labour, and exposure, but I have

every confidence in Mr Thomson, who is well inured to the climate, and

as previously observed, most intimate with the manners, habits and

customs of the people, indeed as the Superintending Engineer observes

in his letter under date the 6th of June 1848 forwarded with my

communication to your address of the 12th Idem No 72. The Govt.

 Surveyor who alone in these Settlements, possesses the practical

knowledge of Building, familiarly with the language, the sway and control

of the Chinese Head Men and subordinates, and acquaintance with the

resources of Singapore necessary to ensure success without

considerable increase of expense.

5th. Mr Thomson would desire to add, in a trifling degree, to the comfort

and convenience of the Visitor’s Room, and make the fittings up of the

interior of the Building, some what better than was originally proposed,

and as this will cause but little further outlay an the Building. I have

ventured to authorize his giving the necessary orders for such articles,

from the Home Market.

6th. The difficulty and risk, of negotiating through the Houses of Agency

in these small stations, induced me to comply with Mr. Thomson’s

suggestions, for requesting the Honble the Court of Directors to make

the necessary advances to the Engineer entrusted with the preparation

Enclosure
of the Cupola and Light a copy of my communication* to the Secretary to
No 2
the India House, I beg respectfully to enclose, and to express a hope that

the course I have pursued, will meet with the approval of the Honble the

Deputy Governor of Bengal.

Enclosure 7th. I take this opportunity of submitting for the consideration of Govt.
No 3
the accompanying *Extract from the proceedings of the Committee of the

Chamber of Commerce at this station, begging that the repayment of the

money to be advanced by the Honble the Court of Directors, for the

construction of the Horsburgh Light House, may be spread over a series

of years so as to make a portion of the proposed Light House, dues

available for further facilitating navigation through the Straits of Malacca.

8th. The Chief want of the navigator, is a Light on the 2 ½ Fathom

Bank, in the Straits of Malacca, as was shewn by the Memorandum

forwarded with my letter under date the 14th July 1849, No 91, and I am

clearly of opinion, that this would be the greatest boon that could be

afforded, I therefore strongly recommend that the wishes of the several

owners, and Master of Vessels in this respect my be complied with, and

in mean time, I am happy to report, having dispatched one of the Buoys* Vide
enclosed
make
received from Calcutta, to the aforesaid 2 ½ Fathom Bank. marked A

9th. The Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, further desire to have

lights in the vicinity of Singapore, and I am of opinion, that one to guide

vessels passing Tree Island, the Sultan Shoal, and the Rabbit and Coney,

would be most beneficial to Navigators, and would cause little expense,

beyond the small establishment necessary for keeping the Light trimmed

during the night.

10th. The Chamber have very considerably over rated the receipts, by

taking their calculation from the number of vessels that have arrived at

and departed from Singapore, without bearing in mind, that one vessel

may have entered the Port half a dozen times during the year. The

amount of tonnage upon which Light House dues would be collected, will

not exceed 150.000, limiting the payment of Light House dues for each

Square Rigged Vessel to twice during the year.

11th. The Committee also desire, that the levy of these dues may be

confined as far as possible, to the Presidencies, where Import and Export

Duties obtain under the impression that the collection here may “operate

prejudicially to the trade of the Place, which hitherto has been unfettered

by exactions for any purpose whatever”, but this opinion as I shall shew,

has undergone modification.

12th. It appeared to me that difficulty and vexation might be

engendered by the original views of the Committee of the Chamber of

Commerce, being met on the present occasion, as Commanders of

Vessels would have to produce receipts at this station, shewing the

payments made by them in India, which receipts might not be

 forthcoming; and the Act for authorizing these dues would necessarily be

a very complicated affair; whilst the Public would be ignorant of the

actual amount received on account of the aforesaid Dues.

13th. Under these circumstances, and taking into consideration the

fact, that all or nearly all Vessels passing through the Straits of Malacca,

from the Presidencies, touch at Singapore, on their way to or from, the

China Seas, I have ventured to draw up an Act for the levy of the Dues at

this Port alone, which I trust will be approved of, more especially, as I am

able to state, that the Chamber of Commerce have concurred in my

reasoning, and through their Chairman have expressed their satisfaction

* Encls:
No 4 with the Draft Act* now submitted.

I have the honor to be &ca

The 13th Feby 1850 Sd/ W.J. Butterworth

Governor.
 /No 32/

To The Honble T. Church Esqr

Resdt Councillor

Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No 1217

of 1849, with annexed copies of letters from His Honor the Governor No

510, from the Under Secretary to the Govt. of Bengal No 7840, and from

W. Grey Esqr Und: Secy: to the Govt. of India No. 607 containing a copy of

a despatch from the Honble the Court of Directors No 3 of September

1849, relative to a Light House on Pedra Branca, and sanctioning its

immediate construction, under the designation of the “Horsburgh Light

House”, according to Plans, Specifications and Estimate forwarded with

my letters No 19 and 20 of 1848, and further doing me the honor of

intrusting its erection to my care.

In reply to your letter No 1217 I beg leave respectfully to state that

the two months and ten days that now intervene between this and the

first of March on which the building will be commenced, will be fully

occupied in making the requisite preparations, my absence at Malacca

would consequently postpone the commencement of the work for as may

days and months as I might be at Malacca. Further, nothing could be

done to the Survey of Malacca, until the instruments indented for on

account of that survey had arrived from Bengal, which will probably not

be before the 1st of February, and a further period of 3 months would be

required to teach the measurers, and after they had been thought, they

could not be left to themselves without a surveyor to direct and check

their operations, I am consequently of opinion that no benefit would

result by my proceeding to Malacca for the purpose of commencing that

Survey.

The preliminary operations of the Light House that will be made

during those two months and ten days, are as follows 1st making model

of Light House for a guidance of Chinese workmen. 2nd Drawing up

specifications, contract and agreements. 3rd In drawing plans of Cupola

and Lamps &ca for transmission to Europe. 4th Constructing Derricks and

stone lifters. 5th Fitting up Gun Boats for the purposes for which they will

be required, and having them thoroughly repaired, so that their

deficiencies may not be the cause of stopping the works in the midst of

operations. 6th Erecting Carpenters’ and Blacksmith’s shops near my

dwelling for the purpose of having materials worked up under my own

eye. 7th In making experiments in cements so as to enable me to choose

the most superior. 8th In making arrangements to procure Chinese stone

cutters from China. 9th In preparing houses for self and workmen, to be

fixed on the Rock, and many other minor details, for all of which there is

barely time left between this and the 1st March, but all of which must be

carefully considered, so that the progress of the works may not be

detained for want of foresight in this period of the undertaking.

With reference to the Honble the Governor’s letter No 510 above

mentioned, I beg leave to state that I have communicated with the

contractor, and it is so far settled that he will undertake the masonry and

brick work, and most of the carpentry, Iron work, and copper work, which,

of course will be specified in detail, in contract documents for the sum of

Ten Thousand, five hundred Spanish Dollars. The name of the Contractor

is Choa Ah Lam, and in a few days he promises to produce sufficient

securities when the contract will be definitely settled.

I beg leave respectfully to make known to His Honor the Governor

that every caution and care will be used, and no personal exertions

spared to secure stability and permanence to a work in which my

character and future good standing is so seriously involved. The

gratifying assurance of his confidence I consider more than half the

battle against the difficulties attending an unusual work of this kind, for

with this in my fortunate possession, should these difficulties be

encountered, and such works are seldom free of them during their

progress (whether from accident or by the action of the elements) I will

be able to act with vigour and without the tardy vacillation which under

less propitious auspices would be the constant attendant on every

operation.

I shall have great pleasure in communicating personally with Major

Faber at all times, and shall be grateful for any suggestion that his long

experience may offer, and such as may be adopted will be thankfully

acknowledged on the successful completion of the work, I will also

greatly desire personal communication with Captn Man, whose great

experience in the manufacture of cements and the blasting of Rocks

puts him in possession of a fund of most valuable knowledge applicable

in the progress of the structure. In many operations that can only be

successfully performed by practical seamen, I will be under the greatest

obligations to Captain Congalton for advice and assistance as far as he

can consistently render them.

Regarding the towage of materials from Singapore at Pedra

Branca, which is an important part of the undertaking for which the Govt

will be responsible, and upon which subject misapprehension will arise

were the part to be performed not sufficiently detailed, and which

misapprehension might the cause of great loss to the contractor and

detention of the works, I will briefly recapitulate what is expected by the

contractor of the Govt. 1st in sending materials from Singapore to Pedro

Branca, the contractor will deliver over his lighters to the Steamer at the

anchorage in Singapore Roads, and from whence they will be towed to

Pedro Branca and secured to a Buoy close to that Rock, where again the

Contractor will take delivery of the lighters after they are unloaded, the

lighters will be attached to the buoy and from thence taken by the

Steamer to Singapore Roads, or 2nd if to Point Romania, where sand and

wood will be procured, the steamer will tow the lighters to the anchorage

these, from whence the Contractor will carry them to the shore, and after

they are loaded, deliver them at the anchorage of the steamer, from

whence they will be towed and secured to the buoy at Pedro Branca, and

so on. Of Course the Commander of the steamer will take care to only

venture out with lighters during the day at the Rock, so that they may be

unloaded and secure to the steamer before night, as a loss of the

lighters and cargo might be incurred during the heavy squalls, or

Sumatras, were they to remain at the Rock or Buoy during the night. But

there is in doubt that Captn Congaltons’ experience will easily show, how
to avoid accidents in this way, though it may be here stated that such

accidents may be expected to occur.

Regarding the two Gun Boats that will be required during the

operations, one will be required to be fitted up for my accommodation,

and for which purpose I would respectfully ask the favor of your obtaining

a Survey Report from the Master Attendant, so that all necessary

alterations may be effected. Both Gun Boats will require to be decked

over, and I would respectfully suggest that they be thoroughly examined

so that all necessary repairs may be effected before the 1st of March, so

that a want in Department may not be a cause of detention. The 2nd Gun

boat will be principally required for procuring water and provisions from

Point Romania and Singapore and for the carriage of workmen.

It would much facilitate operations and give great confidence to

the workmen, which is a very desirable object, could the steamer

Hooghly remain near the rock for the first month or so, until everything

be set a going properly, after that her services would only be necessary

when building materials were to be sent out to the rock. At the first

setting out too, it would be of great assistance could she convey Planks,

attaps and spars, was to effect our quick establishment in houses on the
rock, these being the materials of which they will be composed. I hope

this can be acceded to.

While I have no alterations to suggest on the plan of the solid part

of the structure which was designed more to the view of strength than to

any other object, and while I can state with considerable confidence that

the estimate will not be exceeded in this part, as nothing was spared to

make this part complete, still as the Honble the Court of Directors have

made arrangements in full anticipation of the Estimate being exceeded,

and as I exercised the severest economy in the interior fittings, I would

humbly suggest that they be now of a superior style than that originally

contemplated, as being more in accordance with the spirit of the

undertaking, now that there is not the same object in reducing everything

to its lowest limit of expenditure that original was the case when the

structure was planned. I would recommend particularly that the visitor’s

room, the stairs and other lesser convenience be fitted up in better style

than originally designed.

As immediate measures will now be taken to commence this long

desired undertaking, and the actual work of constructing apparatus &ca

will commence on the 1st of January next not to mention other measures

that have been already set agoing, I would humbly solicit the favor that
the extra monthly allowance to my salary of 1500 Rupees, so kindly

acceded to by Govt., may be allowed to commence from the 1st January,

also that I may be allowed to engage an overseer from that date on 100

Rupees per mensem.

I think I have touched upon every subject now requiring immediate

attention as occasion may require, I will ask for the assistance of such

Departments of the local Govt as may be able to aid the undertaking so

kindly ordered by His Honor the Governor, and trusting that this letter will

meet with your approval and also of His Honor the Governor, to whom I

would beg the favor of your forwarding it.

Singapore I have the honor to be &ca

The 20th Decr 1849 Sd/ J. T. Thomson

Govt Surveyor

/True Copy/

Sd/ W. J. Butterworth

Governor
 /No 340/

To J.C. Melvill Esqr Genl No 109

1849
Secy. to the Honble the Court of Directors

of the East India Company

East India House –London-

D/Singapore the 27th Decr 1849

Sir,

With reference to the despatch from the Honble the Court of

Directors under date the 5th September No 3 of 1849, to the Govt. of

India, sanctioning the construction of a Light House on Pedro Branca in

the China Seas, I have the honor very respectfully to transmit the copy of

a letter from Mr Thomson, the Gentlemen entrusted with the work, and to

solicit that the advances required by Mr Stevenson the Engineer selected

to superintend the preparation of the Cupola and Light may be made by

the Honble Court.

Should the advance of so small a sum be likely to cause trouble or

inconvenience in the adjustment of the accounts with India, I shall be

prepared remit the amount so advanced, either by Navy or Labuan Govt.

Bills, and I hope to be pardoned, if I have made an irregular request,

which has been dictated solely by the difficulty, risk and expense of

negotiating through the Houses of Agency in these small stations.

The work to be executed is of such importance to the safety of the

Mariner, that I am persuaded, in the event of the amount (₤1500)

determined upon for the Light proving insufficient, the Honble the Court

will not refuse their continence to any additional outlay that may be

recommended by Mr Thomson.

I have the satisfaction to report that arrangement have been made

to commence on the building in March next.

The 27th Decr 1849 I have the honor to be &ca

Sd/ W.J. Butterworth

Governor.

(True Copy)

Sd/ W.J. Butterworth

Governor.
 Extract from the Minutes of a Meeting of the Committee of the

Singapore Chamber of Commerce held on the 19th December 1849.

A letter from the Honble the Governor No 330 dated the 11th Instt

to the address of the Chairman, with its enclosures was read, from which

it appeared that the Honble the Court of Directors had authorized the

construction of the Horsburgh Light House on Pedra Branca to be

commenced, and directing that a duty of 2 ½ dollars per 100 tons

should be levied on Vessels touching at Singapore, or clearing out at

India Ports to China, or the Eastward of Singapore, to meet the expenses

of the Light House, and to ensure repayment of the amount required in

addition to the subscribed sum of Rs 22.194, for the erection of the Light

House, and which amount the Court of Directors propose advancing by

way of loan.

Upon which it was unanimously resolved

1st. That this Committee regret that it should have been

determined by the Honble the Court of Directors, to levy such a heavy

duty on shipping in name of Light Dues for the Horsburgh Light, the

annual, proceeds, at a moderate estimate, being calculated at more than

5000 a sum greatly exceeding what was originally contemplated as being

likely to be levied, and much beyond that required to meet the annual

expenses.

2nd. That should the determination of the Honble Court to impose

this duty of 2 ½ dollars per 100 tons, be hereafter carried out, the

Committee are of opinion, that it would be highly desirable that the

repayment of the loan should be spread over a considerable number of

years, and that the annual surplus remaining after paying an installment

of the said loan, and providing for current expenses, should be applied to

improving the navigation of the Straits of Malacca, by erecting lights on

one, or more of the Islands near Singapore, the position of which renders

the navigation by night dangerous, and by placing a floating or other

Light on the 2 ½ fathom Bank. That there is every reason to believe that

these additional Lights, might be placed as proposed at a very moderate

expense, and the committee are decidedly of opinion that they would be

regarded as a great boon by Commanders of vessels passing through the

Straits, as they would enable vessels to run on during the night with

perfect safety, instead of incurring as at present much delay by

anchoring, or great hazard by continuing under sail or steam.

3rd. That it appears to the Committee to be very desirable that

the levying of the Light dues at Singapore should be avoided as much as

possible, as it may operate prejudicially to the trade of the place, which

hitherto has been unfettered by a single pecuniary exaction, for any

purpose whatever. That this objection does not apply to the collection

such dues at Calcutta, Bombay, Madras &ca &ca there being already

duties of Customs and other charges leviable there. That arrangements

should also, if possible, be made for collection in China of the Light dues

payable by Vessels clearing out there for Ports in the Straits and

Westward.

4th. That it is desirable that distinct provision be made in the act

imposing these Light Dues for their reduction after repayment of the loan

from Govt to the amount only required to cover the current expenses of

keeping up the Light or Lights now, or hereafter to be established in the

Straits of Malacca, including the Horsburgh Testimonial.

(True Extract)

Sd/ A. Logan

Secy. Chamber of Commerce

(True Copy)

Sd/ W.J. Butterworth

Governor.
 (No 171)

No 3 From the Offg. Und: Secy: to the Govt of Bengal

Enclosure
To the Governor of P.W. Island Singapore and

Malacca

D/ Fort William the 19th March 1850.

Marine Sir,

I am directed by the Deputy Governor of Bengal to acknowledge

the receipt of your letter, No 22 with enclosures, reporting the measures

that have been taken for the immediate construction of the “Horsburgh

Light House” on Pedra Branca.

2nd. His Honor approves of the preliminary arrangements which have

been made by contractor “Choa Ah Sham” for the commencement of the

work, as also of you having authorized the entertainment of the extra

establishment sanctioned by the Honble the Court of Directors from the

1st February, and the advances to the contractor to enable him to bring

masons from China.

3rd. From para: 6 of your letter and enclosure, No 2, His Honor observes

that, in consequence of the difficulty and risk negotiating remittances at

Singapore, you have solicited the Honble Court of Directors to advance

Mr Stevenson the Engineer the sum of 1500₤,, being the amount

required by that gentlemen for superintending and preparing Cupola and

light for the Light House in question. Your proceedings render it

unnecessary for His Honor to pass any orders on the subject, which will

be duly taken up by the Home Authorities.

4th. As regards the proceedings of the Committee of the Chamber of

Commerce at Singapore, in which that body solicit the repayment of the

money advances by the Honble the Court of Directors for the

construction of the Horsburgh Light House, should be spread over a

series of years, so as to make a portion of the proposed Light House

dues available for a light on the 2 ½ Fathom Bank in the Straits of

Malacca, and for a light near Singapore, I am directed to inform you, that

the earliest opportunity will be taken for submitting the proceedings of

the Chamber for the favorable consideration of the Honble the Court of

Directors.

5th. The Draft act submitted with your letter has been forwarded for the

consideration of the Most Noble the Governor General of India in Council

in the Legislative Department.

Fort William I have the honor to be &ca

The 19th March 1850 Sd/ H.V. Bayley

Offg. Under Secy. to the Govt. of

Bengal

(True Copy)

Sd/ H.V. Bayley

Offg. Under Secy. to the Govt. of Bengal

No 4 An Act to levy a toll on Ships and Square Rigged Vessels, for the
Enclosure
purpose of defraying a portion of the cost of erecting a Light House on

the rock called Pedro Branca, situated at the Eastern Entrance of the

Straits of Singapore, and of defraying the expense of maintaining a Light

thereon.

___________________________________________________________

I. Whereas it has been deemed expedient for the safety of navigation

in the China Seas to erect a Light House on the Island rock called Pedro

Branca, situated at the Eastern entrance of the Straits of Singapore; And

whereas certain sums of money have been subscribed by private

individuals, but the same, are insufficient to defray the expense of

erecting such Light House; And whereas the East India Company have

agreed to undertake the erection of such Light House, and to advance

certain funds to complete the same on condition of the same being

repaid to them by the levy of a toll on Ships and other square rigged

Vessels entering the harbour of Singapore; And whereas also it is

desirable that the expense of maintaining a light on such Light House

when erected should be defrayed out of the monies arising from such

toll; And whereas also it may hereafter be considered expedient to

establish other lights or beacons in the Straits of Malacca or elsewhere

in proximity thereto; It is hereby enacted that the said Light House on

Pedro Branca aforesaid when so erected shall be called “The Horsburgh

Light House,” and that the same and the appurtenances thereunto

belonging or occupied for the purposes thereof, and all the fixtures,

apparatus, and furniture respectively belonging thereto, shall become

the properly of and absolutely vest in the said East India Company and

their successors in the Government of India.

II. And it is enacted that from the _____ day of ____ 1851 a toll of

2 ½ per cents of a Dollar per ton shall be levied upon all ships and other

square rigged vessels being of the burden of fifty tons and upwards,

which shall arrive at, cast anchor in, or enter the harbour or roadstead of

Singapore, from any part of the world; Provided always that no ship or

other square rigged vessel shall pay such toll more than once in every six

calendar months, notwithstanding that such ship or vessel may have

arrived at, cast anchor in, or entered such harbour or roadstead more

than once during such period.

III. And it is enacted that all ships of war of Her Britannic Majesty, all

armed ships belonging to the said East India Company; and all ships of
war belonging to any Foreign Government or State shall be exempt from

the payment of such toll.

IV. And it is enacted that the toll leviable under the Act shall become

due and payable immediately on the arrival or entering of every ship

liable thereto within the harbour or roadstead of Singapore.

V. And it is enacted that the management of the said “Horsburgh

Light House” and of every thing within relating thereto, shall be under the

direction and control of the Chief Civil Authority of Singapore for the time

being.

VI. And it is enacted that the Chief Civil Authority may appoint any

person or persons he may think fit to be a Collectors of the toll payable

under this act.

VII. And it is enacted that out of the funds raised by such tolls, an

efficient light shall be constantly kept up and exhibited during the night

time in and from the said Light House and that the surplus monies

thereof shall from time to time be paid over to the said East India
Company in liquidation of all or any sum or sums of money they may

advance towards the erection and completion of the said Light House

and the apparatus and furniture thereof.

VIII. And it is enacted that immediately on the arrival of any ship within

the harbour or roadstead of Singapore, the Collector appointed under

this Act shall demand or cause to be demanded from the master or other

person in command of such Ship, payment of the toll of two and a half

cents of a Dollar per ton for every ton of the registered burden or

tonnage of such ship, and that if the same be not immediately paid, and

the said Collector shall have cause to suspect or believe that such ship

will immediately leave the harbour or roadstead of Singapore without

paying such toll, it shall be lawful for any Justice of the Peace, upon an

affidavit to that effect being made before him on oath by such Collector

(which oath the said Justice is hereby authorized to administer) to issue

his Warrant under his hand, directed to any Peace Officer or Peace

Officers of Singapore aforesaid, to enter on board such ship and to seize

and carry away any of the goods, merchandize, Guns, tackle, apparel or

furniture of such ship, and to keep the same for the space of three days

after which if the amount of the toll due by such ship be still unpaid, the
same may be sold to pay such toll, and the expenses of such seizure and

sale, and that the overplus if any shall be returned on demand to the

owner or to the person in who a possession the property so seized may

have been found.

IX. And it is enacted that the Officer or Officers of Government in

Singapore aforesaid, whose duty it shall be to grant a Port clearance for

any ship clearing out of or leaving the Port of Singapore aforesaid, shall

refuse to grant such Port clearance to any ship until the Owner, Agent,

Master, or other person in command of such ship shall produce a

Certificate from the Collector appointed under this Act that such ship has

duly paid the amount of toll to which she was liable under this Act.

X. And it is enacted that if any ship shall leave the harbour or

roadstead of Singapore and go into ports beyond the seas without having

paid the amount of the toll to which she would be liable under this Act,

every such ship shall be liable to pay treble the amount of such toll, to be

recovered from such ship on her arrival at Singapore at any time

thereafter, in the manner provided for in Sect VIII of this Act, and that the

amount of such treble toll may likewise be recoverable from such ship at
any other port or place in the territories of the East India Company, at or

within which such ship shall or may at any time thereafter be found.

XI. And it is enacted that upon the production by any Officer of Govt. at

any port or place in the territories of the East India Company, where such

last mentioned ship shall happen to be, of a Certificate under the hand

and seal of a Justice of the Peace of Singapore aforesaid, that such last

mentioned ship had left the Port of Singapore aforesaid without having

paid the amount of toll (specifying the same) to which such ship was in

the first instance liable to pay, it shall be lawful for any Justice of the

Peace at such port or place aforesaid to issue his warrant directed to any

Peace Officer or Peace Officers commanding him or them to enter in and

on board of such ship, and to seize and carry away any of the goods,

Merchandize, guns, tackle, apparel or furniture of such ship and to keep

the same for the space of three days, after which if the amount of such

treble toll, to the payment of which such ship had rendered herself liable

in manner aforesaid, be still unpaid the same may be sold to pay the

amount of such treble toll and the expenses of such seizure and sale,

and that the overplus, if any, shall be returned, on demand, to the owner
or to the person in whom the possession the property so seized may

have been found.

XII. And it is enacted that in order to ascertain the exact burden or

tonnage of any ship liable to pay the toll leviable under this act, the

Collector appointed under this act may apply to any Justice of the Peace

to require, and such Justice of the Peace shall thereupon summon and

require the master or person in command of such ship or any person

having possession of the same, to produce the Register of such ship for

the inspection of such Justice, and upon the refusal or neglect of any

such Master or person to produce such Register, it shall be lawful for

such Justice to adjudge such master or person to pay a fine not

exceeding one hundred Dollars, and in default of Payment to be

imprisoned in Her Majesty’s Gaol for any period not exceeding two

calendar months.

XIII. And it is enacted that when and so soon as the monies to be

advanced by the said East India Company towards the erection and

completion of the said Light House shall have been fully repaid and

liquidated in manner herein provided for, it shall be competent for the

Chief Civil Authority of Singapore for the time being to erect and

establish, one or more other lights or beacons for the safety of

navigation, in such part or parts of the Straits of Malacca or in close

proximity thereto as shall be deemed expedient, and that the cost

thereof, and of maintaining the same and keeping up and exhibiting a

Light or Lights therefrom shall be defrayed out of the surplus monies

arising from the toll payable under this Act, after defraying the current

expenses of maintaining the “Horsburgh Light House” aforesaid.

XIV. And it is enacted that the word ships throughout this Act

mentioned shall be held to mean and include Schooners, Brigs,

Brigantines, Barques, Steam boats, and all other square rigged vessels.

The following Notice is published for general information.

Dated Singapore Sd/ W.J. Butterworth

The 24th Jany. 1850 Govr of P. W. Island

Singapore and Malacca

 A first class buoy painted black and white, having been placed on

the 21st of January 1850, on what is usually called the two and a half

fathom bank, at the western entrance to the Straits of Malacca, in two

fathoms at low water Spring Tides, the following bearings were taken by

Azimuth Compass from it.-

Parcilar Hill ---------------------------- East half South

False Parcilar Hill --------------------- North 50º East

Trees on the low land of Callam Island

just visible on the horizon the

eye being elevated 12 feet above the water______ North 85° East

There is a small patch North East from the buoy, about twenty

fathoms distant with nine feet at low water spring tides.

About a mile to the Eastward of the Buoy on the tail of the Bank,

there are overfalls of three and four fathoms, with five, six and seven

fathoms between them.

To the westward of the Buoy, nothing under five fathoms within a

quarter of a mile.

To the North and Southward of the buoy, there are ten and twelve

fathoms within a quarter of a mile.

 Vessels from the Eastward or Westward keeping Parcilar Hill, East

a quarter South, will just clear to the Southward of the bank, and East

three quarters South, will lead a vessel clear to the Northward.

Singapore Sd/ S. Congalton

The 24th January Commander

1850 H.C. D. T Hooghly

(True Copies)

Sd/ H.V. Bayley

Offg. Under Secretary to the Govt. of Bengal

 Minute by the Honble C.R. M. Jackson No 5

dated the 23rd October 1851

I have struck out the 10 and 11 Sections of the original Draft Act

prepared by the Straits Govt. It would be quite a novel thing in legislation

to enact that a penalty should attach to a ship for all time and should be

recoverable against the ship even in the hands of an innocent purchaser.

It is an attempt to make a penalty even like a Covenant with the land,

without considering that a ship is a chattel and that her title deeds would

give us no notice to purchasers of such an incumbrance. The stringent

Slave acts have never yet gone the length of declaring that a slaver

should after it changed hands and was employed in lawful traffic be still

liable to condemnation.

As the Indian Legislature has no power to legislate for the high

seas, I have thought it as well to insert the twelfth section, without that

section, it might be argued that the whole Straits was the roadstead, and

as a consequence that all ships passing them it should pay the toll.

The 23rd October 1851 Sd/ C.R. M. Jackson

 No 7 No 657

From A.R. Young Esquire

To Und: Secy: to the Govt of India

D/ the 24th Octr 1851

Home Dep: Sir,

Leg:
With reference to the Despatch from the Honorable the Court of

Directors in the Marine Department No. 3 of 1849 dated the 5th

September , I am directed to forward for submission to the Most Noble

the Governor General copies of the papers noted In

* Secy to Govt of Bengal of 26th
Oct 1849 Secy Do_______
Do_____of 19th March 1850 & the *margin together with the Draft of an “Act for
Enclos: Min. by the Honble Mr.
Jackson D/23rd Inst. defraying to cost of a Light House on Pedra

Branca”.

2nd The tonnage duty an shipping was authorized by the Honble Court

to be levied as soon as a light was exhibited on the Island rock above

*20th Ulto named, as it appears from the accompanying copy of a *communication

from the Governor of the Straits Settlements that the light in question

would be exhibited from the 15th Instt, the President in Council has

deemed it expedient under the urgency of the case, to anticipate the

Govr. Genl’s assent and to authorize the publication at once of the draft

act in the form in which it was this day read in Council.

Fort William I have the honor to be &ca

the 24th Octr. Sd/ A.R. Young

1851 Und: Secy to the Govt. of India

 No 563
No 8
From T. J. Halliday Esqr

Secy: to the Govt of India

To Coll W. J. Butterworth

Govr of Prince of Wales Island, Singapore

and Malacca.

Sir, Home Dep:

Leg:
With reference to your letter No. 22 of the 13th Feby. 1850 to the

address of the Secretary to the Govt of Bengal, I am directed to forward

the accompanying Act “for defraying the Cost of a Light House on Pedra

Branca”, and to request that you will favor the Supreme Govt. with such

observations or suggestions on its provisions as may appear to you to be

necessary.

Fort William I have the honor to be &ca

The 24th October 1851 Sd/ F.J. Halliday

Secy: to the Govt. of India

 No 405 No. 9

From Sir H.M. Elliot K.C.B.

Secy: to the Govt of India with

the Governor General

To F.J. Halliday

Secy: to the Govt. of India

Home Departt Calcutta

D/ Camp Jagadree the 12th Novr 1851 Home Dep:

Sir,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Under Secretary

Young’s letter No 657 dated 24th Ultimo, submitting papers and a Draft

Act for defraying the cost of a Light House on Pedra Branca by levying a

tonnage duty on Shipping and in reply to convey to you the assent of the

Most Noble the Governor General to the publication of the Draft Act.

Camp Jugadree I have the honor to be &ca

The 12th Novr 1851 Sd/ H. M. Elliot

Secy: to the Govt of India

with the Govr Genl

 No 10 Extract of a letter from the Governor of Prince of Wales Island Singapore

and Malacca to the Secy. to the Govt. of India

Dated the 1st November 1851 No. 42

8th. I beg on conclusion to suggest, that the Draft Act, submitted with
X

To the my letter under date the To the Govt. of Bengal 13th July 1850. No. 22x
Govt of
Bengal for the levy of Light dues, may have early publication, should it have

received the approbation of the Most Noble the Governor General in

Council with a view of meeting the above expense, and that which will be

incurred for the Establishment of the Light Ship, on the 2 ½ fathom

bank, in the Straits of Malacca, the only alteration I have to propose is

that the rate of Light dues should be raised to three cents of a Dollar per

ton, for all square rigged vessels, on the principle laid down on the 2nd

Clause of the aforesaid Draft Act.

 No. 11
No. 50

From The Governor of Prince of Wales Island Encl. No

849
Singapore and Malacca of 1851

To F.J. Halliday Esqr.

Secy: to the Govt. of India,

Fort William

D/ Singapore the 17th Novr 1851

Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter under

date the 24th Ultimo giving order to Draft Act for defraying the cost of the

Light House on Pedra Branca, and requesting me to forward any

observations or suggestions that I may have to offer thereon.

The Draft Act has received my best attention, and appears to

compass the object desired, but I should mention, that it will be

necessary, as intimated in my letter of the 1st Instt No. 42, to raise the

tonnage Dues from two and a half to three cents, per ton, for the

purpose of on meeting the expense of the Floating Light on the 2 ½

Fathom Bank.

There is a trifling error which I may mention, although its is of little

moment, I allude to the word “Pedro” this ought to be “Pedra”, meaning

a stone, in Portuguese by which nation, I doubt not, the rock was first

discovered. I fear the mistake has originated with the copyist in my

office.

Singapore I have the honor to be &ca

The 17th Novr 1851 Sd W.J. Butterworth

Governor
Genl No. 57
No 885
of
1851
From The Offg. Governor of Prince of

Wales Islands Singapore and Malacca

No. 11A
To F.J. Halliday Esqr

Secy: to the Govt. of India,

Fort William

D/ The 11th Decr 1851

Sir,

I have the honor to enclose a memorial addressed to the Honble

the President of the Council of India - - by the Chamber of Commerce

of Singapore, forwarded to me through the Resident Councilor of that

Station, copy of whose letter to my address is herewith enclosed.

2nd. I agree with Mr Church in thinking that no material limitation of

funds will arise from the number of Vessels passing on, that would

otherwise have anchored at Singapore for refreshments. Its is not likely

that such Vessels in order to avoid the small charge for Light House

funds, would go out of the way to call at either of the other stations for

such refreshments. Neither do I think that the particular Vessels, alluded

to by the Chamber of Commerce, as having come from California, would

have gone on to Penang, or to Malacca, to avoid the Light House toll.

3rd. If it should be found hereafter, that numerous vessels pass

Singapore, without anchoring purposely to avoid payment of the Light

House toll, measures may be adopted to obtain payment from them. I

think with Mr Church that to make the Light House dues payable at the

Ports of India, would be a cause of endless trouble and perplexity.

4th. The last proposition of the Singapore Chamber of Commerce,

would be deserving of attention, if the funds derived from the operation

of that Act, were limited to Pedra Branca Light House, but as it is in

contemplation, to have a floating or other Light, on the sands in the

Straits, the vessels sailing between Penang and Singapore will benefit

there from most materially.

P.W. Island I have the honor to be &ca

The 11th Decr Sd/ E.A. Blundell

1851 Offg Governor

 No 11B
No. 155 of 1851 Enclosure

From The Honble T. Church

Resdt Councillor at

Singapore

To The Honble The Offg. Governor P. W. Island

Singapore and Malacca

D/ Singapore the 6th September 1851

Sir,

I have the honor to forward the accompanying memorial from the

Chamber of Commence, addressed to the Honble the President in

Council, on the subject of the Draft of a proposed act “for defraying the

Cost of a Light House at Pedra Branca”.

2nd. The Chamber request the Memorial may be transmitted to its

destination by an early opportunity.

3rd. The Draft Act was well considered previous to its transmission to

Calcutta. Colonel Butterworth I know conferred with and consulted

several influential Merchants at the time and Members of the Chamber

of Commerce, the Records in your Honor’s office furnish all particulars.

4th. I do not apprehend any material diminution in the amount of the

Fund to be derived, by reason of vessels passing the Port, the dues are
comparatively small, and less than the expense, and delay of touching at

either of the Ports in the Straits, particularly Penang.

6th. It is scarcely possible to frame an Act to embrace every

conceivable case, the more simple and short the better, to make the

Light House dues payable at the Presidencies would cause perplexity

and trouble to parties.

Singapore I have the honor to be &ca

The 6th Decr Sd/ T. Church

1851 Resdt Councillor

(True Copy)

Sd/ E.A. Blundell

Offg Governor
Unto the Honorable the President of the Councillor of India in Council No 11C
Enclosure
The Memorial of the Singapore Chamber of Commerce

Respectfully Sheweth.

That your Memorialists regret to observe from the Draft of

proposed Act “for defraying the cost of a Light House on Pedra Branca”

that it is intended to confine the levy of the toll for defraying the expense

of building the said Light House and maintaining a Light thereon, to

vessels entering the Harbour of Singapore.

That the light of Pedra Branca is not a local light, benefiting those

vessels only which enter the harbour of Singapore but it is of advantage

to all vessels passing the eastern entrance of Singapore, many of which

do not visit the port, and it appears to your Memorialist that it is

imposing a peculiar and unnecessary hardship on vessels resorting to

Singapore, to make them bear the whole burden of supporting a Light or

Lights from which they will not derive any exclusive benefit, and which

will be equally serviceable to many other vessels, which under the

provisions of the proposed Act, as now framed will be wholly exempted

from the proposed toll.

 That you Memorialists are apprehensive that the effect of this

restriction will be injurious to the interest of Singapore by inducing

vessels to avoid entering the harbour which otherwise would touch at

Singapore, and that many vessels, although deriving benefit from the

light will escape payment of the toll, thus materially diminishing the

amount of the funds to be derived therefrom.

That many vessels from or to ports in India bound to or from China

and other places to the Eastward of Singapore, such as the large vessels

carrying cotton, Opium Clippers &ca, to which the services of the Light

House will be of peculiar value, will be exempt from the toll, as these

vessels instead of touching at Singapore, as at present, for

refreshments, will probably be induced to call at Malacca or Penang for

the purpose. That as an example of the probable operation of the

proposed mode of levying the toll, your Memorialists may mention that

during the past month upwards of twenty large ships from California

bound to India under Charter touched at Singapore, not one of which

they are confident would have done so, had they been called upon to pay

Light Dues, while they could have avoided the payment without

inconvenience to themselves, by calling at Malacca or Penang instead of

at Singapore, only proceeding direct on this course.

 That your Memorialists respectfully but urgently suggest the

expediency of the operation of the proposed toll being enlarged, so as to

embrace not only vessels entering the harbour or roadstead of Singapore

but also vessels clearing out from Indian Ports to places in China or to

the Eastward of Singapore or arriving in Indian Ports from such places,

as originally proposed in the Despatch of the Honble Court of Directors

dated 5th Sep: 1849 authorizing the imposition of the toll; the existing

Establishments at Indian Ports for the collection of duties of customs

and other charges, affording the requisite facilities for collecting the light

dues without additional expense to Govt.

That you Memorialists beg to bring to the notice of your Honor in

Council the hardship which will be inflicted on vessels trading between

Singapore and places in the Straits of Malacca or India &ca in being

made to pay a tax for the building and maintenance of the Light House

Pedra Branca, from which they derive no benefit and your Memoralists

therefore suggest that the levy of the proposed toll from such vessels

should be suspended until one or more lights are established in the

Straits of Malacca.
 Your Memorialists pray that your Honor in Council will be pleased

to take what has been above stated into your most favorable

consideration.

And your memorialists will ever pray &ca

Signed in the name of the Singapore

Chamber of Commerce.

Singapore

The 2nd Decr 1851

Note. This transcription is prepared by the CSRU Team. It is only a

working copy and should be re-checked once the document is selected
for our case.